Some interesting foods start with ‘c’.
From hearty main courses to mouth-watering desserts, this article contains 44 foods beginning with C. Let’s jump in!
Fruits Beginning with C
Cantaloupe
The cantaloupe, sometimes referred to as a rockmelon or sweet melon, is a melon that most likely originated in South Asia or Africa.
Nowadays, China produces more than half of the world’s cantaloupe. This melon is a great source of beta-carotene and vitamins A and C. It is commonly consumed in fruit salad, as a dessert, or wrapped in prosciutto as a popular Italian antipasto.
Cherries
This fleshy, small stone fruit grows on flowering trees. Cherries tend to grow in temperate climates as they require a certain amount of cooling hours, and they are harvested in the warm summer seasons.
The two cultivated species of cherries are the sweet cherry, which is popularly consumed, and the sour cherry, which is used for cooking.
Coconut
Coconuts are botanically a drupe fruit, not a nut, and they grow in warm, tropical regions. Coconut trees are one of the most useful trees in the world, as they provide food, fuel, cosmetics, building materials, and more.
While the fresh flesh of the coconut can be eaten, it is also commonly consumed in the following forms: coconut milk, coconut water, coconut oil, dried coconut flakes, and shredded dried coconut.
Cranberry
Cranberries are a fruit that grow on evergreen shrubs, and 98% of the world’s cranberries are produced between the United States, Canada, and Chile. Cranberries are most often processed into juices, sauces, jams, and sweetened dried cranberries.
They are a source of vitamin C and manganese and have been historically believed to serve in the prevention of urinary tract infections, though no conclusive correlations have been established.
Vegetables Beginning with C
Cabbage
This leafy vegetable is part of the Brassica family and is closely related to broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. It comes in green, red/purple, and white varieties and tends to weigh between 1 and 2 pounds.
Cabbage is rich in vitamins C and K, and is a staple food in a variety of international cuisines. Cabbage is often pickled, resulting in probiotic rich foods like sauerkraut and kimchi.
Carrots
This root vegetable is usually orange, though it also comes in purple, black, red, white, and yellow varieties. Carrots have impressive levels of beta-carotene and vitamins A and K.
Cooking carrots can help increase its beta-carotene absorption from 3% to up to 39%. This vegetable is used in a wide variety of world cuisines, from French to Indian to Chinese.
Cauliflower
Another member of the brassica family of vegetables, cauliflower is closely related to broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and kale.
Though most commonly white, cauliflower come in various color varieties, including orange, green, and purple.
This vegetable is a source of vitamins C and K, as well as a number of B vitamins. It grows best in temperate climates with warm daytime temperatures. It has become a very common low-carb substitute in the popular keto diet.
Celery
This vegetable is a marshland plant that has been cultivated for thousands of years. At only 16 calories per 100 grams, celery is incredibly low in calories, making it an excellent weight loss food.
It is also a good source of vitamin K, with 1 cup containing 30% of the daily recommended value. Additionally, celery is rich in antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties.
Corn
This ancient grain was first cultivated by indigenous Mexican communities some 10,000 years ago. Corn has become a staple food all around the world, and in fact, is the most cultivated crop on the planet.
This in part has to do with the fact that it serves other purposes aside from human consumption, such as fuel (ethanol) and animal feed production.
However, it is still a commonly consumed grain and is used to make cornstarch, cornmeal, popcorn, cereal, and more. Corn continues to be a staple in Mexican cuisine, serving as a key ingredient in tortillas, tamales, and more.
Cucumber
Cucumber is a vine plant that has been cultivated for at least 3,000 years and originated in India. There are three varieties of cucumber: slicing, pickling, and burpless (or seedless).
Cucumbers are 95% water, meaning that they are very low in calories, but they also contain key nutrients, namely vitamin K.
General Foods Beginning with C
Cashews
Cashews are native to the Carribean, Central America, and northern South America and nowadays are cultivated in the tropics.
They grow on a tree which produces the cashew fruit and cashew seed (though commonly referred to as tree nuts, cashews are actually seeds).
They are a rich source of copper and a number of antioxidants. Cashews have become popular in vegan cooking, where they are used to substitute dairy products like cream and cheese.
Caviar
This delicacy comes from the roe, or internal eggs, of fish (typically sturgeon from the Caspian and Black Seas, but can also come from salmon, trout, whitefish, and other species, depending on the country).
Caviar was first consumed in the 10th century Byzantine empire, and it continues to be considered an especially gourmet food today.
Cheese
A beloved dairy product derived from milk, cheese can be made from the milk of a number of animals, most commonly cows, sheep, goats, and even buffalo.
It is estimated that there are some 1,800 varieties of cheese in the world, and just about every country has their own specialty. Cheeses can be aged or fresh and are consumed in part for their nutritional value, as they provide a rich source of calcium, protein, and fat.
Chicken
Chicken is one of the most popular sources of protein on the planet, with an estimated 65 billion chickens consumed a year. You can find chicken dishes in just about every cuisine, and they are an excellent source of animal protein that is low in fat.
Somo of the world’s favorite chicken dishes include chicken curry (India), chicken lo mein (China), chicken pot pie (United States), chicken tagine (Morocco), and coq a vin (France).
Chickpeas
Also referred to as garbanzo beans, chickpeas are a legume native to the Middle East, where they continue to play an important role in numerous cuisines.
Chickpeas are incredibly rich in protein and are a great complement to vegetarian and vegan diets. Some of the most popular Middle Eastern and Indian chickpea dishes include hummus, falafel, and chana masala.
Clams
This edible mollusc lives in both marine and freshwater environments. They have interesting life expectancies, as they can be recorded to live between one year and hundreds of years.
Clams are an important element in a number of recipes, like clam chowder and spaghetti vongole, an Italian white wine clam pasta.
Cod
A saltwater fish found both in the Atlantic and Pacific, cod is a flaky whitefish that can be prepared in a number of ways. It is a rich source of various nutrients, such as phosphorus, niacin, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids.
It is a key element in a number of cuisines, namely in the United Kingdom and Mediterranean countries like Spain and Portugal.
Couscous
Couscous is a traditional Berber dish made of crushed durum wheat semolina. The tiny balls are steamed and typically served with some sort of protein or stew.
Couscous continues to play an important role in Northern African cuisines and its mode of preparation and serving varies between countries.
Spices and Herbs Beginning with C
Cilantro/Coriander
Depending on where you are, this herb may be referred to as cilantro or coriander. Both the fresh leaves and dried seeds can be used in cooking, and the herb is used in numerous cuisines, such as Mexican, Indian, and Central Asian.
A curious fact about cilantro is that a small percentage of people have a genetic disposition which gives them a strong aversion to the herb, as it smells and tastes soapy or rotten to them.
Cinnamon
This aromatic spice is obtained from the inner bark of several tree species. You can most commonly find it in stick form and as a ground spice, and it can be used to season both sweet and savory dishes.
Indonesia and China produce about 70% of the world’s cinnamon, though it has been cultivated and used for culinary and medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Cinnamon has great anti-inflammatory properties and is rich in calcium.
Cumin
Coming from a flowering plant native to the Middle East and India, cumin seeds are dried and either ground or used in whole form in a variety of cuisines.
Cumin gives an earthy, warming, and aromatic touch to dishes, and it can be found in many spice blends and even breads and cheeses.
Snacks Beginning with C
Chips/Crisps
Depending on where you are, chips can mean a number of things. In the United Kingdom, “chips” are long chunks of potatoes that have been fried or baked, or what Americans would call french fries.
On the other hand, “chips” in the United States are thin and crunchy slices of baked or fried potatoes, what would be referred to as “crisps” in the United Kingdom. Either way, we’re talking about fried potatoes, and they’re sure to please however they’re prepared.
Crackers
In the United States, crackers refer to a savory or salty crunchy baked food typically made with flour (what would be referred to as biscuits in the UK).
Crackers are often flavored or seasoned with salt, herbs, or seeds, and are commonly served with dried meats, cheeses, and dips as an easy appetizer.
Dishes Beginning with C
Caesar Salad
This green salad is made with romaine lettuce and croutons and garnished with Parmesan cheese and a creamy dressing that is often made with anchovies.
It was created by an Italian American restaurant owner in his locale, Caesar’s Restaurante-Bar, in Tijuana, Mexico. In fact, the salad was born by accident, when Caesar Cardini mixed together a hodge-podge of ingredients that were going to spoil.
Calzone
The calzone is an Italian invention that originated in Naples, Italy in the 1900s. It is essentially a pizza that has been folded in half, making it easier to eat on the go.
It typically contains mozzarella and ricotta cheese and can include other pizza topping ingredients like salami, ham, or vegetables. Instead of cooking the sauce inside the dough, the sauce is usually served on the side for dipping.
Ceviche
This South American seafood dish originated in Peru and is made from raw fish, typically tilapia or corvina, but can also be made with other fish or even shrimp.
The seafood is cured in fresh citrus juices and seasoned with a variety of spices and ingredients, like ají, chili peppers, chopped onions, salt, and coriander. It is typically served as an appetizer.
Chicken Soup
Some variety of chicken soup exists in just about every country, each cuisine adding its own twist to the comfort food.
It is most commonly made with clear chicken broth and pieces of chicken and vegetables, and some sort of starch, like soup dumplings, noodles, or rice, is commonly added.
Chicken soup is commonly thought to be a home remedy for ailments like the flu or the common cold.
Chowder
Chowder is a type of creamy stew that is made with milk or cream and thickened with soup crackers, biscuits, or a roux.
The most common variations of chowder include seafood chowders (such as the famous New England clam chowder) and vegetable chowders (like corn chowder or potato chowder).
Chowder was brought to North America by European immigrants over 250 years ago and has become an important dish for the continent.
Coleslaw
This side dish is prepared with shredded raw cabbage and dressing, typically vinegar or mayonnaise based.
There are many regional variations on this cabbage salad: in the United Kingdom, coleslaw typically contains onions and carrots, and in many European countries, apples are often added. Coleslaw can also be made with pickled cabbage, or sauerkraut.
Crepe
The crepe is a very thin French pancake that can be served both as a savory and sweet dish. Sweet crepes are typically made with wheat flour, while savory crepes are often made with buckwheat flour.
The simplest crepes can be served with sugar and lemon juice, while other elaborate recipes, such as crepe Suzette, are a more indulgent twist on the simple food .
Curry
Curry refers to a wide range of dishes originating in the Indian subcontinent and made with a combination of spices and herbs. Curry powder usually contains a mix of spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, ginger, chilis, and more.
Curries can be made with fish, meats, poultry, or vegetables, and can range in flavor from spicy to even slightly sweet. Some of the most popular curry dishes include korma, biryani, tikka masala, and madras.
Desserts and Baked Goods Beginning with C
Cannoli
The cannoli is an Italian dessert made of deep fried tube-shaped pastry dough and a creamy filling that usually includes ricotta.
It was traditionally prepared around carnival, or Mardi Gras, season, but transformed into a year-round treat in Naples, Italy. The sweet cannoli cream can be garnished with chocolate chips, crushed pistachios, candied fruit, and more.
Cheesecake
This soft, rich dessert is made with a main layer made with a mixture of some sort of fresh cheese, eggs, and sugar. It can also be made with a base layer or crust that commonly consists of crushed cookies, graham crackers, or even sponge cake.
Cheesecake is often made with cottage cheese, cream cheese, or ricotta, and can be flavored with a variety of ingredients, like vanilla, pumpkin, lemon, or chocolate.
It can also be topped with some sort of fruit sauce, fresh fruit, crushed nuts, whipped cream, chocolate shavings/syrup, and more.
Chocolate
Chocolate is made by roasting and grinding fermented cacao seeds. It is an ancient food that was consumed in liquid form as early as 1750 BC by the Mesoamerican Olmec civilization.
Over time, chocolate has evolved into the beloved sweet that it is today, and aside from being enjoyed alone, both in solid and liquid form, chocolate plays a key role in countless desserts, like brownies, chocolate truffles, chocolate cake, chocolate fondue, chocolate fudge, and more.
Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon rolls, or cinnamon buns, are a sweet pastry that originated in Northern Europe, namely Sweden, Finland, Norway, and Denmark. Nowadays, the British, Americans, and Canadians also have their own varieties.
Cinnamon rolls are made by rolling leavened dough that has been brushed with cinnamon and sugar and baking. They can also contain raisins or nuts and be topped with icing or pearl sugar.
Coffee Cake
This delicious treat evolved from other sweet dishes in Vienna, and nowadays many coffee cake variations exist depending on the country.
While British coffee cake is a sponge cake that has been flavored with coffee and garnished with coffee butter icing, coffee cake around the world commonly refers to a sweet cake that is served with coffee.
It can be made with a plethora of fillings and toppings, most commonly nuts, fruit, and spices.
Creme Brulee
Creme brulee, which means burnt cream in French, is one of the most iconic French desserts. It first appeared in cookbooks around the end of the 17th century and continues to be an incredibly popular treat today.
It is made by cooling a rich custard base, topping with sugar, and caramelizing with a blow torch.
Croissant
Contrary to popular belief, the croissant is not of French origin, but rather Austrian.
This pastry was named for its crescent shape and is made with a yeast-leavened dough that is layered with butter, rolled, and folded, which gives the pastry its flaky layers. It can be prepared plain, filled with chocolate, or served with ham and cheese in sandwich form.
Cupcakes
The earliest notion of the cupcake emerged at the end of the 18th century, and nowadays the dessert is enjoying a newfound popularity.
Cupcakes are made with the same ingredients that are used for a traditional layer cake batter, but they are baked in individual serving-size cups for convenient consumption.
They can be made with just about any cake batter, such as chocolate, red velvet, vanilla, carrot cake, and more, and topping options are endless.
Drinks Beginning with C
Chai Tea
Chai tea, or masala chai, is an Indian black tea beverage that is mixed with aromatic herbs and spices. It is traditionally made by boiling black tea in milk and water and steeping cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and peppercorn.
Nowadays, it is possible to purchase chai tea in teabags or even instant powder mixtures.
Coffee
Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world, with more than 400 billion cups consumed annually. It is made by brewing roasted and ground coffee beans. Believe it or not, coffee beans are actually the seeds of the fruit of the Coffea tree.
Some of the most popular coffee drinks, aside from brewed coffee, include espresso, cappuccino, latte, affogato, mocha, macchiato, flat white, iced coffee, cold brew, and Turkish coffee.